Weaver, a columnist and National Public Radio commentator, originally published this upbeat self-help manual for older women at her own expense. Widowed when she was in her mid-50s, with four grown children, Weaver quickly learned that to make the most out of her remaining years, she had to change her life dramatically. The advice she offers here is directed primarily to middle-class women who find themselves in a similar situation. Stating that ""boredom is ninety-nine percent self-inflicted,"" she stresses the importance of making oneself, rather than family or married friends, the focus of future activities, and recommends education and travel as ways to develop new interests. Although Weaver deals only superficially with the emotional problems of widowhood, her practical comments and suggestions of groups to contact, including addresses, are useful. Illustrations. Author tour. (Mar.)